NLEX bucked the absence of Robert Bolick to pull off a come-from-behind 85-84 victory over defending champion San Miguel Beer on Wednesday at Ynares Center here.
Jonnel Policarpio, JB Bahio, Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas were among those instrumental in the Road Warriors’ fightback from a double-digit deficit that spoiled the start of the Beermen’s quest to repeat in the league’s centerpiece conference. The Road Warriors won as a fitting tribute to Bolick, who flew to the United States to mourn the loss of his father.
Policarpio and Ramirez scored 16 points apiece, Alas put up 13 points, five rebounds and two assists while Bahio added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
NLEX withstood the last-ditch attempts by San Miguel to avoid defeat, led by Don Trollano, who scored 17 in 24 minutes. Trollano’s four-pointer trimmed the gap to a point. He had a chance to win it for San Miguel after Bahio missed both free throws.
However, Trollano made an ill-advised pass instead of a potential game-winner as time expired.
June Mar Fajardo, fresh off getting his ninth Most Valuable Player, put up 18 points and 15 rebounds for the Beermen.